Cameroonian applicants for tourist, student, business, or exchange visas will now pay a reduced issuance fee of FCFA 21,000, $35, down from FCFA 129,000, $215. Temporary work visas will cost FCFA 27,000, $45. This information is contained in a press release issued by the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé on July 9, 2025, and is expected to take effect immediately.
In a sweeping revision of its visa policy, the United States Embassy in Yaoundé has announced new measures aimed at tightening immigration procedures, while easing some financial burdens for Cameroonian applicants. The changes, which take immediate effect, impact both the validity periods and issuance fees for various categories of U.S. nonimmigrant visas. According to the Embassy’s press release, Cameroonian citizens who successfully apply for tourist, business, student, or exchange visas will now be issued single-entry visas valid for three months.
Most notably, the issuance fee has been reduced to FCFA 21,000, $35, a substantial drop from the previous FCFA 27,000, $45. Temporary work visas also follow the same single-entry, three-month validity model, with a revised issuance fee of FCFA 27,000, $45. “These changes are part of the U.S. Government’s global efforts to align immigration policy with evolving national security priorities,” the statement read. While the fee reduction may be seen as a relief for many, the Embassy is simultaneously tightening procedural requirements.
The interview waiver program, which previously allowed eligible applicants to renew visas without appearing in person, has been suspended indefinitely. This means all nonimmigrant visa applicants in Cameroon must now appear for in-person interviews at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, regardless of past visa history. The Embassy emphasized that a visa only permits travel to the U.S. up to the visa’s expiration date, and that the final determination of a traveler’s stay duration is made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the point of entry. In light of these developments, the Embassy is urging applicants to carefully evaluate their eligibility before initiating the application process.
“We encourage all applicants to review the legally-established visa eligibility criteria prior to paying for an appointment,” the release stated. “An objective self-assessment will help avoid unnecessary expenses on applications that are unlikely to be approved.” Further information on the new procedures, as well as the scheduling of interviews, is available on the Embassy’s official website: https://cm.usembassy.gov. Applicants needing assistance can also contact the Visa Appointment Center via email at cameroon@usvisaappt.com, or by phone at +237 694 359 560 or +1 734 228 4062 (from the U.S.).
Over 233 Cameroonian migrated to the US in 2024
While exact figures remain unavailable, indicators suggest a steady flow of Cameroonian migration to the United States in 2024. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 233 Cameroonian refugees were resettled in the U.S. between January and March 2024 under regular migration programs. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to host a growing Cameroonian diaspora, with over 90,000 Cameroonian-born residents recorded in previous national estimates. Deportation figures, however, have raised concern, with reports indicating that over 1,700 Cameroonians were facing removal proceedings in late 2024. These figures reflect both the opportunities and challenges facing Cameroonians seeking better prospects in the United States amid evolving immigration policies.
